Jugular vein distention

An abnormal visible engorgement and elevation of the jugular venous column above the normal level, reflecting increased jugular venous pressure and elevated central venous pressure due to impaired right atrial filling.

Causes

• Cardiac causes

  • Right-sided heart failure

  • Biventricular heart failure with systemic venous congestion

  • Tricuspid valve regurgitation or stenosis

  • Cardiac tamponade

  • Constrictive pericarditis

  • Restrictive cardiomyopathy

• Pulmonary causes

  • Pulmonary hypertension

  • Acute pulmonary embolism

  • Chronic lung disease causing right ventricular strain (cor pulmonale)

  • Positive-pressure ventilation

  • Elevated intrathoracic pressure

• Volume-related causes

  • Hypervolemia

  • Excessive fluid administration

  • Renal failure with fluid retention

• Venous obstruction causes

  • Superior vena cava obstruction

  • Mediastinal tumors compressing venous return

  • Thrombosis of central veins